tips do dive masters

[caseybird]

Ok,
We all know that the reefs we go to on vacation to dive are located in the tropical region of the world, and in most of the tropics the economy is fairly primitive. We can natter on about negotiating a fair wage and finding a better job, but you well know that the divemasters are usually barely paid (if paid at all) and are expected to make their living from tips. This also applies to land-based tour guides, wait staff and the man who drives the para-sail boat.

So we can be high and mighty about tipping, or get real and tip the DM and the Captain (if an employee). This is the price of diving at these places, and if you don't wish to pay it, charter a boat, hire the DM and pay her your definition of a fair wage.

Of course, the wage scale may be different in the Keys and Hawaii, but I tipped there too. It's just decent.

 

[eagerbeaver]

Your tip should be based on service provided - that is what I always understood as the whole point of it. It is a 'thank you' to the staff that helped you and improved the qualtiy of whatever services they were providing.

Whether they get paid $5 or $50 by there boss should not effect how happy you are with the service, and what you feel(in your own eyes) is a worthy tip.

It is very hard to destroy the countries economy by over tipping! If the guy normally only gets paid $5 a day and you tip him $100 it will just make him very happy and like you alot.

On the otherside, giving equipment awy as previously suggested is an excellent way to help out the less well paid local DMs.

Matt.

ps FYI 7years fulltime instructor, UK, Eygpt, Dom Rep., Palau, Chuuk, Philippines

 

[eagerbeaver]

oh and by the way, there is a lot of rubbish here about how little Dms get paid. Just coz you earn 50,000 doesn't mean that they wage is little to them.

I have DMs working for me and then earn 3 times what they would in any other job locally. Butit is still less in one month than some of you guys earn in an hour - and they live like kings.

 

[vladimir]

dont hold your breath as that isnt going to happen anytime soon. then if it does happen are you willing to pay more for everyday items and services?

I already do pay more for the goods and services by tipping, and I have to subsidize the cheapskates who don't, as well.

 

[caseybird]

oh and by the way, there is a lot of rubbish here about how little Dms get paid. Just coz you earn 50,000 doesn't mean that they wage is little to them.

I have DMs working for me and then earn 3 times what they would in any other job locally. Butit is still less in one month than some of you guys earn in an hour - and they live like kings.

Actually Matt I would like to know, how much do you charge for a 2 tank dive trip, and how much do you pay a DM to lead those dives? How does that compare to a hotel desk clerk in your area?